Opinions on the Kel-Tech SU-16

pgrass101 · October 16th, 2006, 03:59 PM

I am thinking of getting an 223 carbine as a SHTF rifle. I like the 223 because it is plentiful and easy to find (unlike 30 carbine). I have an L1A1 as a battle rifle but am wanting something lighter and handier. I was considering a Mini-14 or a AR clone. I ran across a SU-16 and saw were they take the M-16 mags which is a plus in my book, but don't know anyone who has shoot them. Please help price is a major factor in this decision.

cmidkiff · October 16th, 2006, 05:02 PM

Just my $0.02; I'm a fan of kel-tec firearms, I own a P-11 and a P3AT, and am quite happy with both of them. I have shot an SU16C, and found it to be fun range toy.

All the same, I'd be hard pressed to justify an SU16 over a decent AR clone for defensive duty. Reliability and durability just isn't there. Yes, the AR is going to be more expensive. For a defensive weapon, it's an easily justified expense to me.

If price is the only issue, you might consider a good AK clone. Cheap, plentifull ammo, reliable as can be, and tough as nails.

Dave James · October 16th, 2006, 05:16 PM

They are what they are, a great trunk/truck gun and a good to get you by in a true SHTF ,, may not hold up to long term use like an AR,,but every one I have seen use them like them

SixBravo · October 16th, 2006, 08:09 PM

I know a few guys who participate in tactical shootout competitions. Because they live in Cali, they purchased those weapons. They performed flawlessly at the range.

One broke during the first heat of their first competition using them. I wish I recall what had busted. But they opted to drop those immeadiately.

Like people said, I've enjoyed plinking with them. However I'm not sure I could justify using those over an AR that might cost just a little more.

CRAIGTZ71 · October 17th, 2006, 09:13 AM

if price is a problem(under $500.00) ,then you can't go wrong.i've put about 2000rds.through my su16a without one hick-up of anykind.the trigger isn't great but this baby can sure lay down some fire.every magazine i'v tried in it works fine too.don't waste your money on the AR type fore end,just to cheap.this year i'm getting a 5rd.mag.,to make it legal to hunt with,& taken it predator hunt'in.

Misfire · December 22nd, 2006, 12:52 AM

Buy an AR, I'm in calif. so I'm limited. SU's are fun plinkers but not durable enough for SHTF. I think the only answer in my location is a MINI14. I know there are some issues, however I can't find any other answer.
Bill

rocky · December 22nd, 2006, 12:59 AM

For the price difference, I would buy an AR. They are a proven design & can exchange parts easily , unlike the Keltec.

MNBurl · December 22nd, 2006, 11:10 AM

I'm planning to buy a SU16B in the next few months. I have other Kel-tecs and they work 100% of the time and the company stands behind their products.

I will be using it as a car/truck gun. Folding in half it would also work as a stealth backpack gun. The same mags as an AR are great. For short term SHTF it would be a fine weapon.

For a TEOTWAWKI, it would not be my first choice nor a AR IMHO. But what is the likelyhood of this happening? Not likely.

frankmako · December 22nd, 2006, 09:47 PM

not a bad gun for the price. kel tec will fix or send you any parts that you need if any thing goes wrong. and it will take m16/ar mags. hard to beat this.

raevan · December 23rd, 2006, 05:06 AM

I like the SU16C because just the stock folds under, the gun can still be fired while folded. What I like about the SU16 is the Bolt functrions like an AK, so it doesn't foul the bolt as much as an AR does.

It may not be as durable as an AR but I think that is splitting Hairs, a polemer based firearm is a polmer based firearm regardles who makes it. Neither will stand up to the abuse a wooden stock can.

I have mention before that I think the Ideal would be a su16 style rifle chambered for 308.

October 16th, 2006, 03:59 PM	#1
pgrass101 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 6,105	Opinions on the Kel-Tech SU-16 I am thinking of getting an 223 carbine as a SHTF rifle. I like the 223 because it is plentiful and easy to find (unlike 30 carbine). I have an L1A1 as a battle rifle but am wanting something lighter and handier. I was considering a Mini-14 or a AR clone. I ran across a SU-16 and saw were they take the M-16 mags which is a plus in my book, but don't know anyone who has shoot them. Please help price is a major factor in this decision.

October 16th, 2006, 05:02 PM	#2
cmidkiff Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 812	Just my $0.02; I'm a fan of kel-tec firearms, I own a P-11 and a P3AT, and am quite happy with both of them. I have shot an SU16C, and found it to be fun range toy. All the same, I'd be hard pressed to justify an SU16 over a decent AR clone for defensive duty. Reliability and durability just isn't there. Yes, the AR is going to be more expensive. For a defensive weapon, it's an easily justified expense to me. If price is the only issue, you might consider a good AK clone. Cheap, plentifull ammo, reliable as can be, and tough as nails. __________________ Liberty is an inherently offensive lifestyle. Living in a free society guarantees that each one of us will see our most cherished principles and beliefs questioned and in some cases mocked. It's worth it.

December 22nd, 2006, 12:52 AM	#6
Misfire New Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 3	su16 Buy an AR, I'm in calif. so I'm limited. SU's are fun plinkers but not durable enough for SHTF. I think the only answer in my location is a MINI14. I know there are some issues, however I can't find any other answer. Bill

December 22nd, 2006, 12:59 AM	#7
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 11,767	For the price difference, I would buy an AR. They are a proven design & can exchange parts easily , unlike the Keltec. __________________ "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson Nemo Me Impune Lacesset Link to my kydex builds:http://rocknloadkydex.blogspot.com/

December 22nd, 2006, 11:10 AM	#8
MNBurl Distinguished Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,933	I'm planning to buy a SU16B in the next few months. I have other Kel-tecs and they work 100% of the time and the company stands behind their products. I will be using it as a car/truck gun. Folding in half it would also work as a stealth backpack gun. The same mags as an AR are great. For short term SHTF it would be a fine weapon. For a TEOTWAWKI, it would not be my first choice nor a AR IMHO. But what is the likelyhood of this happening? Not likely. __________________ MNBurl Side Guard Holsters "If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking" - George S. Patton.

October 16th, 2006, 05:16 PM	#3
Dave James Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tidewater,VIrginia Posts: 244	They are what they are, a great trunk/truck gun and a good to get you by in a true SHTF ,, may not hold up to long term use like an AR,,but every one I have seen use them like them

October 17th, 2006, 09:13 AM	#5
CRAIGTZ71 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: MICHIGAN Posts: 32	if price is a problem(under $500.00) ,then you can't go wrong.i've put about 2000rds.through my su16a without one hick-up of anykind.the trigger isn't great but this baby can sure lay down some fire.every magazine i'v tried in it works fine too.don't waste your money on the AR type fore end,just to cheap.this year i'm getting a 5rd.mag.,to make it legal to hunt with,& taken it predator hunt'in.

December 22nd, 2006, 09:47 PM	#9
frankmako Distinguished Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 1,890	not a bad gun for the price. kel tec will fix or send you any parts that you need if any thing goes wrong. and it will take m16/ar mags. hard to beat this. __________________ An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.

December 23rd, 2006, 05:06 AM	#10
raevan VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: washington Posts: 4,093	I like the SU16C because just the stock folds under, the gun can still be fired while folded. What I like about the SU16 is the Bolt functrions like an AK, so it doesn't foul the bolt as much as an AR does. It may not be as durable as an AR but I think that is splitting Hairs, a polemer based firearm is a polmer based firearm regardles who makes it. Neither will stand up to the abuse a wooden stock can. I have mention before that I think the Ideal would be a su16 style rifle chambered for 308.

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